Step-by-step Guide on Applying to Universities in the Czech Republic

Are you thinking about completing your degree abroad? Have you considered studying in a centrally located European country, with a rich history, beautiful architecture and nature, low cost of living and a long tradition of quality education? The Czech Republic offers all of this!

Although Czech is the main language of tuition at universities, over 1000 study programmes in English are offered at all degree levels and across all fields. Below you can find a step-by-step guide that will help you in getting started with your application!

1. Find your study programme

Start by choosing the degree programme that fits your interests and ideas. You can study in the Czech language, in English and selected programmes even in other foreign languages. Use the interactive finder of study programmes at www.studyin.cz with various search functions to get started.

Studies in foreign languages are subject to tuition fees, although these are generally much lower than in Western Europe. Maybe you can even take advantage of some of the scholarship opportunities offered to foreign students, so have a look at this page.

Studies in the Czech language at public universities are free of charge. Many universities offer one-year long language courses that can prepare you for studies in the Czech language as well as for entrance examinations. Find out more here.

2. Prepare basic documents

The basic condition for entering studies is the successful completion of the previous level of study (certificate of graduation from a secondary school for Bachelor´s (3 years) and long-cycle Master´s degree programmes (5-6 years); Bachelor’s degree for a follow-up Master´s; Master’s degree for a Doctoral study programme).

If you have degrees issued abroad and wish to enroll at the university in the Czech Republic, you will be required to obtain an official document confirming that your degree is recognised in the Czech Republic. For details see this page.

Besides certified copies of your educational qualifications, the minimum entry requirements usually include a completed and submitted application, proof of the admission procedure fee payment and compliance with the conditions for the specific study programme (e.g. letter of motivation, letter of recommendation, portfolio, English proficiency test).

3. Check specific entry requirements

Once you have decided where you want to apply to, you can search for detailed information on entry requirements and deadlines. In the Czech Republic, each university is responsible for its own admission procedure and the conditions vary from programme to programme.

You should therefore always check the specific requirements on the university websites and if you need some advice, you can contact the study department or the international office of the relevant university. The application deadline is mostly between February and April. Students may apply for several study programmes at various universities and faculties.

4. Submit your application

The application forms are available on university websites. Universities use the system of electronic applications forms, which simply guide the students and allow them to track their application status throughout the entire process. After filling in the application, it is necessary to print it out, sign it and send it by post to the relevant university or faculty together with the required documents. You might be asked to pay the application fee and attach a receipt of payment to your application, if required by the university. The next steps will be communicated to you through the online application system and by a letter or email from the university.

5. Sit the entrance exams

If you are an eligible applicant, you may be required to sit an entrance exam. It can include a written test and oral interview. The entrance exams are usually held in the Czech Republic, but some options also exist for taking the exam abroad (e.g. via Skype).

6. Wait for the notification of acceptance

When the application period and the possible entrance exams are over, the university will make the final admission decisions. Results are usually announced by the end of June. After receiving the decision, you will be asked to pay the tuition fee for the first semester, if applicable. The university will then send you an official letter of admission, admission confirmation for the visa and accommodation purposes, and the study contract.

7. Apply for visa

Depending on your nationality you may need to apply for a visa or residence permit to enter the Czech Republic. You should start your visa application process as soon as you have received the official letter of admission, especially if you are a non-EU citizen, as the whole procedure requires some paperwork and can take up to 60 days. Find out more here.

8. Arrange practical aspects of your arrival to the Czech Republic

You should keep in touch with the study department of the university or with the study programme coordinator. Your host university can advise you best on the arrangement of all the practical details of your arrival to the Czech Republic, including local student accommodation options and available student services.